United States History Student Edition

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The U.S. Capitol, 1834 The U.S. Capitol is an example of neoclassical architecture, a style reflected in the design of many federal buildings in Washington, D.C. Neoclassical architecture developed during the 1700s and 1800s. The buildings tended to be large and relatively simple and unadorned. They show strong influences of classical Greece and Rome. Most prominent among the Greek and Roman influences were the grand columns that marked the front of the structures. Construction of the U.S. Capitol began in 1793, but the building was not fully completed until 1868. Numerous changes were made over the years, many of which were needed to accommodate larger chambers for the two houses of Congress. One of the main architects of the Capitol was Benjamin Henry Latrobe, who had studied neoclassical architecture in Great Britain. An architectural illustrator named Alexander Jackson Davis painted the Capitol as it appeared in 1834. The dark- colored dome at the top contrasts with the grander white dome that caps the building today.

PRIMARY SOURCE: PAINTING

EXAMINE THE SOURCE 1. Identifying What details in the image are examples of neoclassical architecture? 2. Analyzing Describe the U.S. Capitol. Comment on its style and scale. Does it appear to be a formal or an informal building? Does it seem appropriate to house a branch of the U.S. government? Explain.

Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Division [LC-DIG-ppmsca-09409]

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